Report from Amsterdam Dance Event

Amsterdam, Holland—Though it’s been rinsed with rain since Tuesday, Amsterdam is once again the center of the international DJ/dance community. Amsterdam Dance Event—running Oct. 19-22—is presenting seminars, parties and networking opportunities aplenty, and DJ Times is here in Holland to bring you the action.

A few highlights so far: On the “Dutch Touch” panel featuring trance titans Armin Van Buuren and Ferry Corsten, electro-house DJ/producer Chuckie and techno talent Joris Voorn, the four reflected on the massive success that Holland-based jocks have been enjoying in recent times.

Corsten touched on a theme that he’s discussed before with DJ Times. “Holland is a small country, but we’re surrounded by other countries with distinct scenes, places like the U.K., Germany and France, that we can’t help but be influenced by what surrounds us.”

Chuckie chimed in that the “DJs in Holland are so well-trained” playing to a discerning home crowd and that “maybe they’re more prepared for the world than most DJs.”

Voorn offered a historical perspective. “We [the Dutch] have always been entrepreneurial, so there’s a do-it-yourself element to our culture. I’m sure that has something to do with it.”

The massively popular Van Buuren offered a humble take on his rise. “To be honest, I’m living a dream,” he said. “The music I loved back in 1996 is the music that’s become popular and I’m very grateful every day.”

But then, offering a nod to national pride, he joked, “If it ain’t Dutch, it ain’t much.”

From the Amsterdam clubs, a few hot moments included Glitch Mob rocking the Melkweg, Chris Liebing offering some late-night techno action in the sweaty, steamy Studio 80, and Sander van Doorn and Ferry Corsten taking trance fans to new heights at Escape. Tonight we’re off to Air for Afrojack and back to Studio 80 for Joris Voorn, plus a few unscheduled stops along the way. More later.